Dhyana for self-empowerment

Moving on from lessons in how to relax and then detoxify the mind, in the previous issues, it’s time now to explore ways and means to access wholesome powers of mind and come out with one’s best. Remember, the power latent in mind is immense mostly lying dormant out of ignorance, which if unfolded in full would has no bounds. The paradox, however, is that ordinary mortals are hardly able to use five to seven percent of their mind power, which remains available by default. For, ordinarily our mind remains clouded by lot of inherent limitations, which doesn’t let us have access to the full landscape of mind. Our reach could, however, be expanded through conscious efforts. Einstein and people of his calibre are believed to have used about 10 to 14 percent of their mindpower to have created history.

Now, how to go about optimising our mindpower? The first call is to get over inherent limitations by pursuing the mind-detoxification process as discussed in the previous issue. Following which, most of inconsequential and negative thought imprints parked in the inner realms of mind, that otherwise misdirect our thought process, go out of reckoning. Yet, some memory impressions lying at still deeper layer of mind that hold the key to our hardened habit tendencies, may be left. For the final assault that helps purify the mind fully, we need to take up ‘Dhyana’. Following which, the thought process becomes easy and simple. Please bear in mind; simplicity is clarity, directness, and purity. It is free from complications, clutter, and confusion. Simplicity paves the way to success, peace, focus, and happiness. Thereafter, you would in full control of the self, when wholesome powers of mind shall be available. You may then be able to use mind as an instrument, which it is, rather than being victim of its inconsistencies. Consequently, mind comes out with its creative best, when it qualifies to spontaneously lead us towards the right course due.

Mind could be raised to the above status, when one is in a state of “Yoga”, which in applied terms means that unitary mind is fully tuned to the element of consciousness, which holds the key to all our dynamic functionalities. The process suggested for the purpose by sage Pātanjali, the proponent of the concept, is “Dhyāna”. Going by its literal meaning, the word Dhyāna implies paying attention. To what? It is on none other than one’s own self, which holds the key to how we usually conduct in life. It, in the first place calls for observing and becoming aware of one’s limitations of mind. Second, the workable part of one’s indwelling potential. And finally explore one’s wholesome latent potential, unexplored and untapped thus far out of ignorance, which when unfolded in full would know no limits. The method involved is to first disengage one’s attention from external distractions, and then look within to explore and scan what lies in store at the various levels of the inner realms of mind. Having become aware thus, to consciously deliberate upon and accordingly redefine the thought process, with the intent to come out with one’s best.

In English lingua franca, ‘Meditation’, is the word commonly used to give a sense of ‘Dhyāna.’ Although, it doesn’t reflect true spirit and essence of “Dhyāna”, it however, stands close by. For, the word meditation, seemingly hints at reflecting deeply over some idea, thought, or concept. Dhyāna, on the contrary, is a process directed towards attaining a state of being, when mind gets riveted to the root of all thoughts. It becomes possible only when flirtation of mind almost comes to an end, what Patanjali calls ‘Cita vriti nirodha’. Otherwise, uncontrolled thought impressions in mind keep you so much engaged that it doesn’t leave much of scope to process your thoughts objectively, and with obvious consequences. Meditation, of course, remains a necessary part of the process, and so contextually remains relevant.

Once the mind gets fully purified, there is no thought left that may lead you through. You then need to cultivate fresh defining principle of mind by raising awareness level. The process calls for continued reflection (meditation) upon fresh educative inputs as laid down in the scriptures or the ones offered by an enlightened Guru. Following which, you may come out with your creative best. You could then spontaneously make right choices in life. Remember, mind being an instrument, it can’t move on its own. It needs a guiding principle. To sum up, Dhyana is a mind-engineering process.